Alexander Zybin: "I warned the players that it would be a tough match"

Russia U18 head coach Alexander Zybin:

- I warned the opponents that this would be a tough match against an angry, strong opponent. All of our games against the Czech Republic have been difficult. In the first period, they played a compact game in all periods and we couldn't get going in attack. Nevertheless, we made corrections and we started holding the puck better in the second and third periods. In the final frame, we took penalties which could have led up to a different result.

- Where did the discipline go?

- Any small foul results in a penalty. The demands are different. We did tell the guys about that in the dressing room and on the bench, but we'll work on this.

- Will the other goalkeepers play in the competition?

- All goaltenders are ready to play at any moment.

- Why didn't Semyon Kizimov play?

- He's ill and we decided to give him a rest. It was a tough game today, and he needed to recover. We'll see how he feels this evening and maybe he can play tomorrow.

- Did you watch the Canada - Finland match?

- I saw a replay of Finland's game. They have an excellent team which plays well in attack, it will be a very difficult match for us.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation